HPV test kits to play key role in India's fight against cervical cancer: Dr Neerja Bhatla

IANS April 24, 2025 451 views

India is developing groundbreaking HPV test kits to combat cervical cancer in rural areas. These cost-effective screening tools can be operated by local health workers, addressing critical medical staff shortages. Dr Neerja Bhatla, a renowned gynaecologic oncologist, emphasizes the importance of early vaccination and screening. The initiative aims to reduce India's significant cervical cancer mortality rate through innovative preventive healthcare strategies.

"Vaccination should ideally be done before the age of 15, and screening should start after 30" - Dr Neerja Bhatla
New Delhi, April 23: Indigenously developed HPV test kits are set to become a game-changer in India's efforts to tackle cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, renowned gynaecologic oncologist, Dr Neerja Bhatla, said on Wednesday.

Key Points

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Indigenous HPV test kits to transform cervical cancer screening

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Affordable technology targeting rural healthcare gaps

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Easy-to-use kits enable local health worker deployment

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Early detection crucial in reducing cancer mortality

Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of a scientific review event in the national capital, Dr Bhatla, a Padma Shri recipient, emphasised that these cost-effective kits will help strengthen early screening efforts, especially in rural and underserved areas.

"Vaccination should ideally be done before the age of 15, and screening should start after 30," she told IANS, highlighting the importance of both vaccination and screening in preventing cervical cancer.

She also stressed that these new HPV test kits will be especially useful in areas with limited medical staff.

"We have already seen in the Northeast that there is a shortage of trained workers. These kits are easy to use and can even be handled by local health workers, which will make screening much easier," Bhatla told IANS.

On the question of pricing, she said the final cost of the kits is yet to be determined.

"Prices will vary depending on how the government includes them in its national health programmes and how much is purchased in bulk. But we are hopeful that these kits will be much more affordable than the current options," she added.

Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, who was the chief guest at the event, praised the initiative.

He said the development of these affordable kits is a big step towards making preventive healthcare more accessible to women across India.

He also emphasised the importance of early detection in saving lives. "With India accounting for 25 per cent of global cervical cancer deaths -- largely due to delayed diagnosis," Dr Singh mentioned.

He also stressed the urgent need for preventive screening. "The broader vision is to establish India as a global leader in the field of preventive healthcare," he added.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such an important development! Early screening can save so many lives. Hope these kits reach every corner of India soon 🙏
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Rahul S.
Great initiative but I hope they also focus on awareness campaigns. Many women in rural areas don't even know they should get screened.
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Ananya P.
As someone who lost an aunt to cervical cancer, this gives me hope. More power to Dr. Bhatla and the team! ❤️
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Sanjay M.
While I appreciate the effort, I wonder about the accuracy of these kits compared to traditional tests. Early detection is crucial but false results could cause unnecessary panic.
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Meera R.
The focus on rural areas is much needed! We have so many healthcare innovations but they rarely reach villages. Hope this changes that trend.
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Vikram D.
Good to see India developing its own medical solutions. Imported tests are often too expensive. Hope the pricing remains reasonable when launched.

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Tags:
HPV Test Kits Cervical Cancer Dr Neerja Bhatla Indian Healthcare Women's Health Prevention